Compression Garments And A Method Of Manufacture

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a compression garment ( 50 ) for clothing a body part, such as a lower torso and the legs. The body part includes a muscle ridge, such as a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus ( 49 ). Compression garment ( 50 ) has first and second panels of stretchable material joined by a seam ( 32 ). At least part of the seam ( 32 ) is adapted to correspond to at least part of the muscle ridge, being at the edge of the gluteus maximus ( 49 ). The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a compression garment, using an algorithm to calculate size changes to produce desired compression.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to compression garments and to methods ofmanufacture. In particular, this invention is concerned with compressiongarments such as shorts, long tights and tops, either as single garmentsor in a combination of garments worn as a suit.

BACKGROUND

A detailed discussion of the prior art and studies relating to musclesand muscle activity is contained in Australian Provisional PatentApplication No 2004995456 (the “Provisional Application”), the contentsof which are imported herein by reference.

Prior art compression garments are designed to fit the body snugly, butwithout consideration as to the extent to which muscles increase in bulkand mass during activity. Such prior art garments can become non-staticor counter-gradient in this situation. Once a person wearing a staticcompression garment increases muscle mass with activity, the garment canbecome tighter in the vicinity of the muscle, which can increase as muchas 3-5% in volume. This alters the effect of the static compression andcan create undesirable effects, in being undesirably tight or inproviding more compression in the wrong places. In turn, this can impedecirculation and reduce the effect of lymphatic drainage.

It is an aim of the present invention, at least in some embodiments, toimprove on the compression garments, of the prior art by providingcompression garments which can maintain the same levels of compression,even if muscles have increased in bulk.

It is a further aim of the present invention, at least in someembodiments, to provide a compression garment capable of providingproper compression both during activity and at rest. It is also anobject of the present invention, in some embodiments, to provide acompression garment which can aid effective recovery from post-activitybuild up of blood lactate and creatine kinase.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a compression garment forclothing a body part which includes a muscle ridge, the garment having afirst panel of stretchable material joined to a second panel ofstretchable material by a seam, wherein at least part of the seam isadapted to correspond to at least part of the muscle ridge.

The body part may be an arm, a leg, the upper torso, the lower torso, ora combination of these. For example, the compression garment of theinvention may comprise shorts, long tights or tops, either as a singlegarment or in a combination of garments intended to be worn as a suit.

The muscle ridge will usually be the ridge of a major muscle or musclegroup in the body part to be covered. Some examples of muscle ridges aregiven in connection with the drawings, described below. Reference isalso made to the stitching information sheets and the associateddescription in the Provisional Application. The muscle ridge may berepresented by a valley in a muscle group.

Examples of the muscle ridge are: a lateral edge of the serratusanterior group of muscles, a lateral edge of the serratus anterior andexternal deltoid muscle groups, a lateral edge of the latissimus dorsimuscle group, a ridge through the biceps brachii, a ridge between thelong head of the rectus femoris and the semitendinosus muscle groups, aridge of the hamstring tendon, a lateral edge of the gluteus maximusnear the greater trochanter, a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus nearthe sacrum, an area over the propliteal fossa between the heads of themedial and lateral gastrocnemius and a ridge of the vastus lateralis anda ridge of the vastus medialis. The compression garment of the inventionmay not completely cover all of the muscle and the seam may notcorrespond to the full length of the muscle ridge to be covered by thegarment of the invention.

The compression garment of the invention may be made from a singleelastomeric material or from several different elastomeric materials.

The material of which the compression garment of the invention is mademay be chosen from a wide variety of fabric or different fabrics.Preferably, however, the garment of the invention is made of panels offabrics of elastane or similar stretch material, often combined withnylon or polyester or similar stretch materials of 40, 60 or up to 120denier material. The fabric is preferably of specific stretch andrecovery. It is greatly preferred that the stretch along the warp of thefabric is between 120% and 225% and its number for recovery is between10% and 25%.

The material preferably has a “wicking” effect, so that in use it drawsmoisture from the body. Such materials are known.

It is preferred that the compression garment of the invention can effecta compression value of between 5 mm Hg and 25 mm Hg. It is envisagedthat the compression garment of the invention may be used for therapyand in that case, compression levels may be greater, for example, up to40 mm Hg. In most embodiments of the compression garment of the presentinvention, compression will be of a lower grade, being less than 25 mmHg, ranging down to 5 mm Hg, for active wear and 30 mm Hg, ranging downto 8 mm Hg, for inactive or non sports usage.

It is within the scope of the invention that the compression garment haspanels of variable compression fabric within or added over panels ofother compression fabric to give better muscle support.

One of the embodiments of the present invention allows compression to beplaced in particular on some joints or muscles. It allows incrementalcompression to be achieved through panels of the garment, which increasestrength and stability on the joints, whilst supporting the muscles.This is a variation on the existing art where the support can be invokedby the wearer, choosing between an active state and a passive state.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the invention provides a compressiongarment for clothing a body part, the garment having a first panel ofstretchable material joined to a second panel of stretchable material bya seam and a third panel of stretchable material within or over part ofthe first or second panels, wherein the garment includes means toincrease compression of the third panel.

The panels for the first or second aspect of the invention may be of anysuitable shape. These are further discussed in relation with the methodof the invention, below.

The seam is preferably a flat stitched seam joining panels ofelastomeric material. However, the seam is not limited to this. Forexample, the seam may be a line or ridge of greater thickness than thesurrounding area of the compression garment. Thus the seam may be formedby gluing, stitching or any other means.

Stitching is preferably flat stitching using four or six needle process.

It is within the scope of the invention that part of the seam may bedesigned in use to rest along some muscle ridge or ridges while otherparts of the seam rest against another anatomically suitable position inorder to support muscles and/or joints of the body part.

It is particularly preferred that the seam of the compression garment ofthe invention does not horizontally intersect muscle groups so as tocause impingement or unnecessary pressure. Preferably, a substantialpart of the seam is vertical when the garment is worn.

It is preferred that panels are in the shape of the muscle or musclegroup, where possible. Seams, e g stitching, along muscle ridges shouldmove in the same direction as the muscle form.

Supporting the muscles of the buttock by not impinging or intersectingthem and allowing them to perform and work in their natural shape aidsperformance. The benefits of creating a body shaped panel around thebuttocks assists with keeping the base of the muscle group from movingin a vertical motion when active. Stitching can act as an anchor againsttoo strong a movement, particularly where jumping is carried out.

In a compression garment of the present invention designed to cover thebuttock, it is preferred that posterior stitching surrounds the area ofthe buttock and then continues along the ridge of the hamstring tendon.

In the case of the upper level of the thigh, it is preferred that thereis no stitching so as to cause pressure against the fossa ovalis. It ispreferred to have panelling around the muscle and the saphenous veinwithout forcing pressure directly against it.

Because there is a major collection of lymph nodes situated in the groinarea, it is preferred that anterior stitching is used, to removepressure from this area, instead of a lateral inside seam.

In relation to the sartorius, the longest muscle in the body, it ispreferred that anterior stitching cuts vertically across the sartoriusonly at its upper level and close to its attachment to the anteriorsuperior iliac spine and just above the insertion of the bicep rectusfemoris. The anterior/posterior stitching does not interfere with theperformance of these muscles.

In relation to the muscles of the knee and calf, it is beneficial tohave posterior stitching running through the centre of the biceps of thegastrocnemius to offer both support for the muscle bulk as well ascreating a firm anchor from which the muscles can be compressed.

In the case of a compression garment of the invention intended to coverthe lower part of the torso and the legs, the anterior stitching of thegarment can commence at a position near the waist of the body in aposition near the iliac crest. The waist can be higher in some models ofthe garment, but the preferential position has the garment sitting underthe navel in a comfortable position.

The stitching of the side panel of the garment and the yoke or centrepanel may follow anatomically from the anterior superior iliac spinewhere it intersects the head of the sartorius muscle then sits in theridge created by the bicep of the rectus femoris and follows that groovedown the front of the leg. During activity the groove can become morepronounced.

The stitching preferably does one of two things at the knee. It can passdirectly over the patella where it joins the iliotibial tract and sitson the anterior side of the tibialis at its junction with the tibia, orit can move around the patella in a position where it is not likely tocause interference with patella movement, but to assist as a lateralanchor. This anchoring is achieved through joining of the panels. Thestitching continues down to the ankle in both scenarios where itintersects the trans crural and cruciate crural ligaments. Stitching canbe then terminated or used to join a footpiece or stirrup, as the styleof garment requires.

With respect to shorts, the same route may be taken anteriorly by thestitching to the point where it is terminated above the knee.

The compression garment of the present invention may be joined at thewaist as a union of the two side panels forming a T intersectionmidline. The garment can also be constructed with a gusset, which caneither be at the front forming a triangle shape, or it can be a fullgusset, rectangular or similarly shaped running from the front to theback. When such a gusset is in place the stitching should be in aposition to sit naturally along the aponeurosis of the obliquusexternus, sitting in the groin channel but not directly causing pressureover the saphenous vein opening, and not causing impingement over thecluster of lymph angion in the groin.

Posteriorly, stitching of the garment of the present inventionpreferably surrounds the area of the buttock then takes up a positionalong the ridge of the hamstring tendon. It joins the inside yoke panelto the outer leg panel, both of which have been shaped prior to joiningin the shape, dimension and size of the leg. After passing over theridge of the hamstring tendon the stitching line may pass over andintersect the knee, slightly to one side of the crease to avoid pressureon the small saphenous vein at the back of the knee. Stitching may thentravel along the centre of the ridgeline created by the belly of thebicep gastrocnemius.

With regard to the muscles of the shoulders and arms, anchoring aclothing top in the best position to aid the movement of these musclescan be important. Preferably, the stitching joins do not cut across theshoulder but are effective in producing compression across the wholemuscle groups. The stitching of a clothing top of the present inventionpreferably runs along the edge of the latissimus dorsi muscles, runningfrom the edge of the teres major and the long head of the tricepsbrachii of the arm. The stitching should not cause impingement of theskin, blood flow or articulation of the joint. It preferably follows theline of the latissimus dorsi to the centre mid section of the back.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, stitching that joinspanels as well as panels that have had a stitching line sewn into thegarment can be used to support muscles, ‘anchoring’ them and assistingthe muscle belly from increasing its size by having extra compressionafforded by the anchoring of the stitching. The same stitching can alsobe used to aid support of joints such as the knee and the position ofthe patella. Stitching in other positions in another preferredembodiment can aid the support of the calf muscles or the hamstrings.

Compression and support ‘tabs’ can be placed at chosen positions on thegarment. The tabs may be attached to separate panels of elastomericmaterial attached to existing panels to assist muscle with function andcreate varying compression and support by ‘pulling on’ pressure bymoving the tabs to a preset location creating a variable compressioneffect.

A compression garment preferably affords benefit during many differentactivities. Sometimes an athlete or wearer needs to carry out a specifictask and requires for the duration of that task a different (usuallystronger) level of compression. By using strategically placed ‘tabs’ onpanels, increments can be made to the garment of the invention toincrease compression and function.

A weightlifter may be training, exercising and lifting weights of ahigher weight in order to increase performance, improve muscle mass andtrain effectively. Wearing a garment of specifically valued compressionmay not be sufficient in certain places during the task. He/she maytrain with a series of lighter weights and finish with a set of higherweights. An embodiment of the present invention offers attachments topanels in certain places, which can be ‘pulled on’ or tightened to aspecific mark relating to a higher desired compression value. This isnot for therapy but for training or exercise. An example is given in thedrawings, below.

When panels are cut to various sizes for different products of thepresent invention as discussed in connection with the method of theinvention below, the algorithmic process of deduction of sizing meansthat panels can be joined sympathetically to allow for incrementaltightening of compression over a certain body part. That tighteningeffect can also be loosened when required, such as after activity. Theincrease and decrease in compression is a factor of the size of thepanel itself and the amount of reduction in that panel that has to bemade to give a regulated higher level of compression. This is not anissue of simply making a panel tighter; it has to be appropriate to thegarment, the compression values existing and a safe method of increasingcompression, then decreasing it. Around this adjustable panel there areanchor points created by stitching. This stitching can be in ahorizontal or vertical mode or any angle in between as required by thearea of compression.

These variable compression points can be on the legs, on the arms on theupper torso and in any place where increased support and compression isrequired. The compression increase can also be to hold a specific musclegroup in place for a specific purpose such as muscle learning andrepetitive action to increase muscle proprioception.

One such embodiment may be along a muscle group where an extra panel ofmaterial is constructed and either sewn in or added to the panel, sothat a particular muscle such as the sartorius can be highlighted fromthe remaining leg muscles. In a prior art product produced by Wacoal,banding was added to material panels to offer support to joints such asthe knee during activity. Those bands added support to the existinglayer of fabric but are unmovable. They are attached to the garmentbeing sewed in their entirety.

The present invention is able to use added banding in some areas of itsconstruction, made from fabric (usually stronger or stiffer than thebase material) and which leads to an anchor point where compression inthat band can be adjusted manually to increase then decrease thatcompression. The added compression can offer benefit to the joint andskeleton.

The incremental compression can be applied during some activities andnot others. The garment of the present invention in this embodiment doesnot have to be removed to apply the various levels of support orcompression available in the panels.

Most compression products, whether stockings or support tights, offercompression on the horizontal plane at 90°. The present invention offerscompression on the horizontal in some embodiments, but can also offercompression in a matrix angled to support muscles not on the horizontalat 90°, but at an angle around 45° to the warp. This means that from theposterior edge of the panel, the whales are positioned in relation tothe posterior edge in a lower position anatomically than their other endat the anterior edge of the panel. The warp stretches and recovers notonly on the horizontal in some embodiments, but also at an angle, whichis between 90° and 135° at the posterior edge. This ‘angle warping’ ofthe fabric induces stretch and recovery along that line and createsbetter compression enabling the muscles covered to be ‘lifted’gravitationally towards the skeleton. This improves flattening out ofthe muscle.

When panels are cut for the present invention they are preferably cuttogether so that corresponding side panels and yoke panels have the same‘angle warping’. Where horizontal warping occurs, it is in places whichdo not require engineered compression.

The compression garment of the present invention may afford twobenefits. First, the compression may aid muscle proprioception, keep themuscles under pressure and keep blood lactates in the muscle bed duringactivity, with support by panels cut in the correct shape and dimensionto accommodate the muscles concerned creating engineered or gradientcompression over the body of the muscle, sending blood from superficialveins into the deeper channels. This can aid endurance, power andstamina.

Secondly, the compressive nature of the material used in the presentinvention can also be used as a respiratory regulator aid and trainer.

The present invention is also concerned with a method of manufacturingthe compression garment of the invention. Essentially, the presentinvention provides a method of making a compression garment for clothinga body part, the method including the steps of:

-   -   a) cutting a first panel to mimic the body part;    -   b) using an algorithm based on a body mass index to calculate a        size of the first panel appropriate to create a chosen static or        gradient compression for the body part; and    -   c) adjusting size of the first panel in accordance with the        calculated size.

Preferably, the body mass index calculation is combined with existingmeasurements of limbs and body parts, to achieve a range of sizedgarments capable of effecting either static compression or gradientcompression over a particular body part and having a compression rangewhich is effective during periods of activity or passivity, in certainembodiments.

Correct sizing for the garment can be achieved by using the stretchrecovery specifications of the fabrics to assist in calculating bodydimension. An algorithm allows accurate reductions or increases in thatsizing when fabric outside the appropriate stretch and recovery is used.The effect of body mass change through impact in sport is also takeninto consideration as well as the requirement to enhance recovery byusing specific compression that is capable of aiding muscleproprioception, endurance and stamina whilst active, but assisting bloodlactate and creatine kinase levels post activity.

The approach used in the present invention is that panels are cut firstto mimic the assumed body shape of the desired limb or body part thenalgorithms are used to ascertain a homogenous reduced panel sizing inthe finished garment to accurately create a static compression or agradient compression over the body part covered. Sizing can be createdindividually to a single user's specifications (bespoke) or from groupsize data of a single gender or both genders. Articulations of panelscan be created using anchor points to create areas of specificcompression over areas requiring a specific function such as an armpit,hips, knees or elbows.

The use of static compression is best under activity and load. There isno benefit from wearing a static compression garment passively. Takingthis into account it means that a garment offering static compressionbefore activity really has to offer a slightly variable compressiongradient until the wearer dons it and commences activity. Slightreductions in pressure higher up the limb means that increases in sizeare catered for and the garment becomes static only under load and doesnot have the deleterious effect of counteracting circulation orlymphatic drainage. To do this, particularly where panels are cut andsewn together to form a garment, those panels should be ‘shaped’ incutting prior to sewing to mimic the body or limb shape so that if thepanel was cut without reduction in size, it would fit the body parthomogenously, offering no specific compression or tightness at any pointit covers. The reductions in circumference used are then able to reducethe panel accordingly so that specific compression can be delivered toany part of the panel so when sewn it forms a shaped limb or body partform.

With regard to graduated or gradient compression, the same rationale isused. To make sure a garment has higher compression in the lower regionsof the garment and lower compression moving up the garment, the sameeffect has to be realised when the garment is used for activity. Musclemass increases in some areas more than others, so sizing has to takethis into account to ensure compression remains balanced.

By starting with the same base panels as in static compression, so thatthe panels before sewing mimic body or limb shape, then appropriatecompression can be delivered to a panelled garment. Such compressionspecificity is easier in computer-controlled circular knit stockingsmade to shape and size, but it has always been hard to induce theappropriate compression before the present invention, because to havereal effect across the range of sizes, body shape has to be taken intoconsideration.

Prior art compression stockings and garments are usually sized relatedto the users calf, thigh or ankle measurement. In below knee garments,usually used for therapy and prophylaxis of thrombosis, sizing iscritical. With athletic endeavour, wearing a below knee garment cancause serious problems. First, below knee garments can only support themuscles of the lower leg and therefore are only able to offerproprioception marginally. Secondly, the banding at the top of thegarment can cause constriction of the superficial veins, which canincrease the risk of thrombosis. The garment of the present inventionmay include a long garment extending from ankle to waist, shorts, and atop with short or long sleeves.

From an off the shelf viewpoint, the present invention allows users tolook at different parameters including ankle, calf or thigh measurement.The Body Mass Index (“BMI”), a body dimensional calculation measures,for medical terms, those people who are at a specific weight in relationto their height and a judgment can be made respecting the body mass andwhether they are under, over or at their correct weight.

By using the BMI algorithm and by bridging it to another algorithm,which allows a comparison from a weight to mass conversion, the presentinvention makes it possible to provide for up to 95% of the intendedusers a suitable sizing equivalent to assess the likely mass of the bodyand the shape, size and dimension of the trunk and its extremities.

From a study conducted in the US by Bulik et al., (Int J Obes RelatMetab Disord, October 2001; 25(10): 1517-24) the establishment of genderbased norms relating to silhouettes used in standard body imageassessment are able to be linked to BMI. Differences were observedbetween women and men in terms of desired body size and discrepancyscores, with women preferring smaller sizes.

The figural stimuli are a robust technique for classifying individualsas obese or thin. Bulik studied a large Caucasian based population inthe USA of more than 28,000 subjects collected over a 55-year dataperiod including 3347 twins.

That study showed nine body shapes for men and women. Men's average BMIfor each figure-number was shown in the following table BMI #1. Clearly,there are anomalies with regard to height for very tall persons, butthose anomalies can be taken into account. The women's sizing is shownin Table BMI #2, also below.

Table BMI #1 Men MEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BMI 19.8 21.1 22.2 23.6 25.8 28.131.5 35.2 41.5

Table BMI #2 Women WOM- EN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BMI 18.3 19.3 20.9 23.126.2 29.9 34.3 38.6 45.4

The present invention has identified the relevance of BMI with respectto normal sizing charts for men and women. FIG. 25 of the drawings is aBMI index sheet, which shows how BMI relates to those existing sizes.

Rather than using the data as an estimate of obesity in adultpopulation, the data provides an ability to assess the individual bodyshapes of a population with respect to the amount of body mass relatingto their height and weight. From that an algorithm has been developed toconvert BMI/average body proportion and size with respect to limb and orbody part circumference and an appropriate reduction to achieve anengineered compression expressed as mmHg within the garment. Thatcompression may be static in that the same compression values areoffered over the entire body part or it may be gradient compressionwhere there is a declining level of compression from lower to higheralong the body part when standing.

The importance of this relationship is seen in its ability to cater foras much as 95% of the adult population. There are racial implicationswith respect to using different source information respecting body shapeand BMI, but the result is the same. Specific measurements can bedetermined at required body parts to invoke a ‘smooth line’ engineeringof compression over a body part.

In FIG. 25, references to BMI are deduced from existing algorithms usedto assess mass. These have now been linked with respect to showing howthey compare with mass deduced through adding specific compression(static or gradient) into the equation to deliver sizing and how itrelates to the BMI index. Computations and data investigated withrespect to these calculations have been shown to be statisticallysignificant. The P value in (two-tailed) ANOVA was P<0.0001 and thecorrelation was significant with a 95% confidence interval of 0.8671 to0.9957.

The purpose of this assessment and method of construction of sizingbased on measurement and or BMI and weight/mass calculations is for themass market. It is not meant to replace bespoke manufacture ofindividual products.

It is important for the design of a garment, whether made from circularknit on a specific sewing machine, which creates the shape of the leg asit constructs the garment, or from panels of material cut and then sewntogether, that the finished sewn panel or product has a size thatmatches the dimension of the body part such as the shape of a leg.

If panels are sewn together from a basic pattern in the shape of a leg,which is, say rectangular in shape, then expecting the fabric to stretchappropriately across the body when donned cannot occur. Panels sewntogether in such a way can offer compression on the body part, but itcould be that such compression in effect is useless or possibly evendangerous. Most garments sewed together work on a ‘limb reductionconstruction’ where the measurement of the circumference of the bodypart is measured, and then reduced in size to make the garment tighteraround the body part.

Burns therapy garments commonly use what is known as a 20% reductionlevel, which applies a level of compression on the body of about 5 mmHgto 8 mmHg. Anti embolic thrombosis stockings also work on the size of agiven body part such as the ankle and calf and reduce the size of thestocking to invoke compression, however many of these products are infact small rectangular knitted products applying pressure in a gradientform for the benefit to aid circulation. These strong stockings can havea tendency to limit lymphatic flow if they are too strong.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to create a body or limbshape in a panel, which is then sewed together with other panels tocreate an exact replica of the body part or limb, which is a reducedsize in relation to the actual body part, but which offers specificcompression along the entire length of the finished garment. This meansthat a static compression applied to the body will be the same pressureat the ankle, calf, knee and thigh, and be exact with regard to the limbsize and body mass.

The present invention serves to settle what has not been taken intoaccount in the prior art, that even with static compression, for effectduring activity the parameters of compression have to be taken intoaccount and engineered into the garment panels prior to make-up, andthat compression has to reflect the basis that, for an active product,the static compression factors have to be offered when active and underload, not when first donned. This in effect means the present inventionhas an engineered reverse-compression factor to offer static compressionunder load.

The algorithm for sizing static compression garments has to take intoaccount an increase in limb measurement for an ‘under load’ response.

The science of producing a stocking, bandage or garment with gradientcompression in the legs or arms has been known for many years. Theeffect of having various levels of compression with the strongest at thelower extremity and the lighter compression at the higher extremity isknown to aid circulation. As a therapy and as a prophylaxis, the priorart has usually included Antiembolic stockings (medical TED's),stockings for support and to reduce aching and tired legs. The benefitsof compression has been seen in sporting endeavour and several studieshave been found to support benefit with respect to reductions in bloodlactate, creatine kinase as well as anecdotal reductions in delayedonset muscle soreness (DOMS).

The algorithm used in the present invention deals similarly withgradient compression as it does with static compression. The use of theparticular garment is identified and in particular specific compressionis placed according to the requirements of the wearer. The gradientsused may be different in different sports or applications. Wearers usinga garment for weightlifting or training may have different compressionvalues for a garment used for training.

The algorithm of the present invention takes into account changes indynamic activity and is able to maintain the appropriate compression toperform the function required.

Conversion from the one size of a limb or body part requiringcompression to another will now be discussed. Notwithstanding whetherstatic or gradient compression is required, a panel or shape consistentwith the intended body or limb dimensions must be made. It is importantto take into account the relevant data expressed elsewhere with bodymass and calculations of weight to mass using dimensional integersidentical to the size required fitting the limb or body part.

The present invention identifies this factor and shows the method ofachieving it. The panels when sewn together without reduction would fitthe limb or body part at sea level without offering any compressionvalue other than being homogenous with the body dimension. By then usingan algorithm to determines size reductions according to BMI andweight/mass comparisons, a size is determined which will invoke a gradedcompression along the entire length of the intended area for gradientcovering.

The first dimension is circumference of limb (source unit). The desiredsize of the reduced panel (desired unit) is deduced. The result of thatcalculation is then further deduced to offer the required compressionvalue at specific points along the panel, which are joined. The natureof usage of the wearer, dependent on some activities, is also taken intoaccount. Differences in altitude are also taken into account, such asfor a product worn by people carrying out activity at various altitudes.

The source unit, (unit_(s)), is to be altered to a desired unit,(unit_(d)). Let q_(s) be the numeric quantity expressed in the sourceunit, q_(st) be the equivalent quantity in the standard (SI) system, andq_(d) be the quantity in the desired unit. Let f_(s)=factor (unit_(s))be the conversion factor of the source unit and f_(d)=factor (unit_(d))be the conversion factor of the desired unit. Then we have theequations:

q _(s) ·f _(s) =q _(SI) =q _(d) ·f _(d)

q _(d) =q _(s) ·f _(s) /f _(d)

Thus, conversion to a desired unit is accomplished by multiplying thesource quantity by a factor f, where

f=f _(s) /f _(d)=factor(unit_(s))/factor(unit_(d))

The convert function takes as arguments the source unit and desiredunit; it returns the conversion factor f, or NIL if the conversion isundefined or incorrect. The calculation is then repeated. Size reductionis a percentage decrease. The parameter of reduction in the garments ofthe present invention is between 35% and 15% of the limb or body part tobe covered.

Novak in IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, vol. 21, no. 8(August 1995), pp. 651-661 explains unit conversion and dimensionalanalysis where the source and the goal are different units. This relatesto the conversion of dimension integers and dimension vectors.

Critically it is important to use weight and mass as a checkingmechanism against BMI calculations. By using the integer factor1/9.80665 we can convert the weight in kilograms to a Newton force ofmass to assess the value of fabric strength and performance. Thefabric's ability to offer specific ‘force’ qualities in newtons assistsin deciding relevant relationships between fabric qualities and effect.

Many performance fabrics offer benefits with the way fabrics which makeup garments work. They offer wicking—the transport of perspiration fromone side against the body to the outside. The same process also worksfor heat transport away from the body. Fabrics are also sanitised tooffer antimicrobial protection. The present invention can use anystretch fabric to achieve its compression factors. The existing art usesfabrics of particular stretch and recovery. In fact, stretch fabricsthat are warp knitted offer stretch along the warp from 90% through to225% and higher. From that stretch they can offer a recovery from 0 to100%. The weft stretch can be from 0 through to 200% or more andrecovery the same as the warp. In fact any amount of stretch andrecovery is able to be induced into fabric by its construction.

With compression garments the stretch and recovery is vital. Fabricswhich are stretched against the body and intended to support muscles andaid circulation have to be usually tight fitting and at some point alongits stretch axis reach a point where it wants to stop and recover. Also,its ability to recover is important. It is not particularly comfortablefor products to be made from fabric which either does not recover orwhich recover too much, to the point where after stretching it movesback to its old position pre-stretch.

The existing art uses fabrics cut with the grain which stretch toeveryday industry standards (around 150-225%) for the warp and which areusually cut with the grain of the fabric, making them stretch verticallywith the height of the wearer. Some existing garments have been producedusing panels and garments cut across the grain of the fabric to use thewarp and weft stretch in a different manner, such as with the presentinvention, however prior to the present invention there has been no realability to assess the fabric specifications and accurately make changesand alterations to the markers to invoke accurate compression.

Where garments are cut across the grain, the ideal warp stretch isusually around 160%-195% or thereabouts and its recovery potentialshould be 10-20%. The average of those stretch parameters is 10% ineither direction for the stretch and 50% in either direction forrecovery, with an average of 15%. The problem with patterns is that theyare usually cut to a set design and graded according to industrystandards of grading between sizes. There is a known gradient between asmall and a medium and between a medium and a large, etc. These existinggradings rely on consistent fabric supply.

The garments of the present invention preferably use fabrics with apreferred warp stretch of between 160% and 195% and cut across thegrain. These panels may be sewn together with other panels of the samespecification. Something which is usually not always reliable is themanufacture of stretch fabrics. As an industry standard, allowances of5% in either direction is seen as suitable. That means a stretch orrecovery method of sizing can be out by up to 10%. On a garmentdelivering specific values and levels of compression at specific pointson the body, such variations can greatly affect compression factors aswell as the total efficacy of the finished product. Two or more panelssewn together each having 10% variations in sizing can cause a majorproblem. To overcome this sizing issue and to keep the compressionvalues consistent the present invention uses an algorithm to calculatedifferences in the fabric used.

The present invention provides a calculation to assess the stretch andrecovery of fabrics, whether warp or circular knitted, and to deduce theappropriate sizing for the required panel or body piece. Subtlecalculations made when markers are being made can mean that fabricstretch and recovery, although very important, can be assessed and usedto deliver the required compression values. Prior to the presentinvention, it meant that fabrics had to be specifically made to suit theusage of the garment, otherwise compression could not be changed to suitdifferent requirements with different fabrics.

The preferred warp specifications of the fabric is an average of 177.5%,(160%+195%÷2=177.5). If fabric is used which is greater in stretch thanthis average then the following calculation is used:

Sf(fabric percentage to be used)×π=−R(reduction in sizing %)

-   -   Sp (average % preferred)

Therefore Sf(225)×3.14=+R %

-   -   Sp(177.5)

−R %=1.285×3.14

-   -   −R %=4.039% (4% reduction in panel size for marker)

If fabric warp stretch is less than the average of 177.5%, the followingcalculation is used:

Sf(fabric percentage to be used)×π=−R(increase in sizing %)

-   -   Sp (average % preferred)

Therefore Sf(150)×3.14=R %

-   -   Sp(177.5)

+R %=0.845×3.14

-   -   +R %=2.65 (% increase in panel size for marker)

The reduction or increase in panel size is calculated after the firstcalculation for sizing has been completed and affects the computergenerated marker being produced to cut the fabric into the requiredpanels. The reduction or increases affect each panel edge on thevertical and not the horizontal edge of the panel. Because panels arecut vertically for a standing body, the sizing calculations are doubledper panel. Therefore a panel increase of 2.65% occurs on each edgemeaning an overall increase of 5.3% for that panel.

When a panel is reduced, the same effect occurs. These increases andreductions are made simple with computer marking systems such as CAD,Gerber, TukaTech or other similar systems. The markers can also be madefrom existing cardboard patterns, however a series of patterns would beneeded with relevant increases and decreases. It is not expected thatmanual gradings would be efficient or economical.

The weight of fabrics used in the present invention is preferablybetween 170 gsm and 200 gsm. The fabrics can be sueded/brushed, or not.They can be a mix of elastane such as Lycra and a mixture of microfibresin nylon or polyester. The ratio of elastane in the elastomeric mixshould be at least 18% and preferably 22% or more of elastane (Lycra orsimilar). Not all panels within the one garment need to be the samematerials and variations of the present invention can embody elastanecompositions of differing weight and content to perform differentfunctions—such as an anchor or articulation point. Also varying panelswithin the garment can be made of different materials to invoke thecompression needed.

The preferred fabrics are elastomeric materials made from Lycra orsimilar elastomeric materials with a denier range between 40 denier and120 denier and blended with a stretch material such as nylon orpolyester or a mixture of both. The fabric can be a microfibre or 12filament material and sueded or unsueded for better comfort.

The present invention is able to embody several varying articulations ofthe knee and hip, depending on the usage of the product. In the existingart, there a number of applications of panels and constructions ofgarments to allow a better fitting product. Using standard methods ofcutting and pattern placement on fabric often results in gathering andbad fitting in areas where the body bends and stretches.

In garments constructed on panels cut on the horizontal plane withrespect to the grain of the fabric, the present invention preferablyuses articulation points of fabric inserts of similar grade stretch orrecovery. Alternatively, higher levels of stretch and recovery can beused strategically to reduce this ill-fit. Ill-fitting panels meanscompression values are lost when required in those areas. To overcomethis, the present invention can use panels cut in an ‘angle warping’form where stretch and recovery is reversed by cutting it across thefabric grain at the different angle and degree. Normally, in theexisting art, circular knit fabric has been used in the whole garment asa way of reducing this ill-fit, however circular knit is not capable ofall the function requirements of the present invention.

These articulation points that relate to the knee and hip are preferablynot positioned at the knee or hip itself but on panels in the nearvicinity, allowing better stretch and recovery around the articulation.

Where articulations occur and the fit has to remain tight andfunctioning with appropriate levels of compression, the method ofconstruction of the present invention allows shaping of the areas of thehip and knee to be taken into account by using the reduction algorithmto reduce the panel at that point by a desired amount to achieve fit. Byincorporating panels cut on a different bias (a bias created not toallow the fabric used to hang to fit the form better, but a biasarticulation to allow better function of body activity under load)compression can be anchored specifically to these articulation points,allowing a homogenous fit between body and garment.

The problem with size gradings seen in the existing art with respect toclothing sizes, including compression-clothing sizes, was that they didnot take into account the issue of increased mass of muscle in placewhen running. Sizing algorithms of the present invention take this intoaccount, which means that normal grading differences in sizing do notusually follow current known art.

In relation to leg stiffness, appropriate sizing needs to be identifiedfor smaller athletes, such as middle and long distance runners whorequire a different compression value and therefore algorithm to deducethe correct sizing. The algorithm of the present invention is able todeduce this.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist with understanding the present invention, reference will nowbe made to certain non-limiting embodiments in the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a compressiongarment, being a long-sleeved upper body garment in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a second embodiment, being a short-sleevedversion of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a third embodiment, being a short-sleevedcompression garment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a fourth embodiment of compression garment;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a further embodiment, being a short-sleevedcompression garment;

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a leg which forms part of an embodiment ofa compression garment being long pants;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the leg of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged rear view of the compression garment of FIGS. 7and 8;

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of a leg being part of a variation of thecompression garment of FIGS. 7 to 9;

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of part of the leg of the garment of FIGS. 7to 10;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of part of the leg of the garment of FIGS. 7to 11;

FIG. 13 shows a front view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment, being long pants;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the compression garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment, being long pants;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a further embodiment of a compression garment,being long pants;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment, being shorts;

FIG. 18 shows a rear view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment, being shorts;

FIG. 19 shows a rear view of a further embodiment of a compressiongarment being shorts;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a limb in a leg of a compressiongarment (pants);

FIG. 21 is a side view of a further embodiment of a compression garment,being long pants;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a further embodiment of a compression garmentbeing short pants;

FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of a compression garment, beingshorts with variable compression means, in one configuration;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the shorts of FIG. 23 in anotherconfiguration; and

FIG. 25 is a BMI index sheet for the method of manufacture of theinvention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows a garment 10 having abody 1 with four- or six-needle flat bed stitching 2 situated inanatomical positions along the garment, namely along the serratusanterior muscle group. An area 3 under the armpits uses fabric of eithera different or a higher compression level (including compositions ofhigher stretch Elastane) than that of body 1. Similar fabric to thatused in area 3 is used on side panels 4 running along the sides ofgarment 10 to create better compression. Bottom edge 5 of garment 10 ishemmed in a manner that allows stretch and does not create a lateralpressure ridge. The wrist hem 6 is of similar design and constructions,so that pressure is not placed against the wearer's wrist (not shown).

The sleeves of garment 10 have an outer panel 7 and an inner panel 8.These can be of similar construction and specification to those ofgarment body 1, or they may be different to a muscle proprioception. Thestitching 2 between outer panel 7 and inner panel 8 is designed to avoidcutting across muscles and runs along a ridge in the biceps brachii forat least part of its length.

FIG. 2 shows compression top 15, which is the same as that in FIG. 1,except that it is short sleeved. The same reference numerals are used todenote the same parts, in this and subsequent figures.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a short sleeved top 16. Panels 13 and 14are cut in what may be described as an “angle warp” of the fabric, whichmeans that the fabric in these areas is cut differently from the fabricof garment body 11, namely, at an angle to the grain. The stitching 12provides anchor points between different stretch fabrics, or fabrics cuton the bias, used in panels 13 and 14, compared with the fabric ofgarment body 11. Outer panels 17 correspond to outer panels 7 in FIGS. 1and 2. Inner panels 18 correspond to inner panels 8 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of short-sleeved top 20, being of a similarstructure to the garment in FIGS. 1 to 3, except that side panels 22 runall the way to bottom hem 19. Sleeves 21 do not include inner and outerpanels 18 and 17 separated by stitching 12.

In FIG. 5, garment 25 has panel 14 around the muscle group serratusanterior and the external deltoid muscle group.

Garment 26 shown in FIG. 6 has side panels 27 which cover and supportthe lateral edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle group from under thearmpit panels 13 to the waist 23.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of one leg 28 of a compression garment 30being long pants. FIG. 7 shows inner panel 31 joined to outer panel 29using flat bed stitching 32 and how stitching 32 sits on the anteriorfascia of garment 30 in an anatomical position, along anatomical ridgesand beds. FIG. 7 also shows two other preferred features. Gusset panel34 sits under the groin area of the wearer. Stitching line 33 isattached to the side or top of gusset panel 34 and secures front panel35 to gusset panel 34 and inner panel 31. Stitching line 33 is locatedto avoid sitting in the inguinal fold and impinging the superficialinguinal glands (refer FIG. 8). The upper part 36 of stitching line 32sits in a position away from the great saphenous vein on the inside ofthe wearer's leg and is in a position to rest in the ridge of thewearer's rectus femoris muscle.

FIG. 8, which is an enlargement of part of FIG. 7, shows by dashed line37 the location of the wearer's inguinal glands, which are avoided bystitching 33.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of part of leg 28 of garment 30 and shows howgusset panel 34 comes all the way from the front to the rear of garment30. Stitching 38 travels down the rear of leg 28 and is on the lateraledge of the wearer's gluteus muscles in the vicinity of the wearer'sgreater trochanter 39.

FIG. 10 shows a variation of the garments in FIGS. 7 to 9. In garment40, of which one leg 28 is shown, stitching line 39 has been moved tothe other side of the wearer's gluteous maximus and is on the insertionside of the gluteous near the sacrum 41.

FIG. 11 shows a view of the rear part of leg 28 of the FIG. 7 to 9 orFIG. 10 embodiments. In FIG. 11, stitching line 32 passes along theridge of the long head of the wearer's femoris and the semitendinosis(shown in dashed outline). At the wearer's knee, stitch line 32 passesover the wearer's popliteal fossa, between heads 42 and 43 of thewearer's medial and lateral gastrocnemius (shown in dashed outline) andthen passes over the body of the muscle in the centre of the two muscles44 and 45.

FIG. 12 shows a view of the front of part of the left leg 28 from FIGS.7 to 11. Stitching line 32 passes around the outer perimeter of thewearer's patella 44 (shown in dotted outline). The stitch line alsotravels from the patella 44 down the ridge created by the junction ofthe side of the wearer's tibia 45 and the edge of the wearer's anteriortibialis muscle 46 (shown in dotted outline).

FIG. 13 is a front view of a further embodiment of compression garment.In this figure, garment 50 has anatomical stitching 32 as for previousembodiments, but includes new stitching lines 48 moving from stitch line33 and forming a support around the patella, indicated at 44. Stitchline 48 does not join panels but represents stitching sewn into thepanels to create anchor support of the wearer's muscles and joints.

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of garment 50 and demonstrates how the areasof the wearer's gluteus 49 and the hamstring 51 are supported bystitching lines 32 and 52. These create support for the hamstring 51,keeping the muscle in place and reducing bellying.

FIG. 15 is a front view of further embodiment of compression garment 60,being long pants. In this embodiment, in contrast to the FIG. 14embodiment, long stitch lines 48 are replaced by shorter stitch lines54. Stitch lines 54 do not join panels but act as anchor stitching toproduce support for muscles and joints and in particular to supportpatella 44. Stitch line 33 of the FIG. 13 embodiment is replaced bystitch line 55.

FIG. 16 shows rear view of garment 61, which compared to the FIG. 13embodiment, has a smaller stitch line 56 which can support the wearer'shamstring 51 without travelling substantially the full length of thegarment 61. Garment 61 includes stirrups 57.

FIG. 17 is a front view of shorts 62, which are similar to a shortversion of garment 50 in FIG. 13, where anchor stitching 32 combinedwith stitch line 48 creates a large muscle support panel 58 over thewearer's rectus femoris. Stitching 32 travels along a ridge of thewearer's vastus lateralis on one side and along the ridge of thewearer's vastus medialis on the other side. Again, stitch line 33attaches to gusset 34 so that there is no impingement of the wearer'singuinal area.

FIG. 18 shows a view of the rear of a pair of shorts 63. In shorts 63,seam 32 and stitching line 48 surround the wearer's hamstrings in thearea of panel 59.

FIG. 19 shows the rear view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. Shorts 64 have an added panel 65 of stretch material, whichhas been added to garment 64 using stitch line 66. This added panel 65is capable of supporting muscles by adding a layer of compression in therequired area and over the required group of muscles.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a wearer's limb 70 surrounded bycompression garment 71. It shows a normal (prior art) stitch seam 72.Seam 73 (as per the prior art) has been sewn twice to create a largerprofile to aid aerodynamics at the front of garment 71 for cyclists andrunners, but with no consideration as to support of muscle groups, etc.However, for the purpose of garment 71 in accordance with the presentinvention, stitch line 73 has been moved to position 74, which will bein the correct anatomical position as described in connection with thedrawings herein.

FIG. 21 shows in side view a compression garment 80 which includes avariable compression point panel 76, which has been sewn in by seams 75.Garment 80 also includes stirrups 57. Variable compression panel 76 canbe made of fabric construction, including fabric of similar stretch andrecovery to the fabric 77 of garment 80, but cut on a different angle(angle warping) or else a higher-grade compression or stretch fabric maybe used to act as an anchor point. The purpose of panel 76 is to offersupport to the wearer's hips, particularly after treatment and injury.Panel 76 can be placed over the existing fabric 77 or be cut into it.

FIG. 22 shows a pair of compression shorts 81, being similar to garment80, with the same variable compression panel 76.

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show an embodiment of a pair of shorts 85 whichincludes panel 76 of the FIG. 22 embodiment, as well as variablecompression panel 78. Panel 78 has two tabs 79 attached which use Velcroor other fastener to attach to panel 82, so that panel 78 may be madesmaller. (A greater or lesser number of tabs 79 may be used.) This hasthe effect of increasing tension or compression on garment 85, which canbe particularly useful after activity or as an aid to reduce injuryduring activity. FIG. 24 shows how tabs 79 look when they have beenclosed and garment 85 stretched tighter.

Reference is now made to FIG. 25, the BMI index sheet.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the compressiongarment of the present invention, in preferred embodiments, such asthose illustrated in the drawings, is the combination of chosenelastomeric fabric, with selected warp and weft stretch and recoveryproperties. The elastomeric warp and weft stretch and recoveryproperties are chosen to achieve proper compression strategically placedwithin sections of the garments. The garment panels are designed withrespect to the given body part, limb, trunk or torso that the particularpanel will cover or encase. The panel designs are shaped in the samemanner as the body part that they encase. The encasement of particularmuscles and/or muscle groups is calculated in size to generate anespecially designed compression of the encased muscle, muscle group orbody part. The present invention uses an algorithm sizing system that iscalculated utilizing BMI (Body Mass Index), thus referred to as the BMIalgorithm, which is considered in panel size calculation and designdevelopment.

In the preferred embodiments, the technically designed panels are sewntogether at specific angles, so that each panel forms an encasement ofthe body part, limb, trunk, muscle and/or muscle group. The panels aresewn together in a vertical direction or with a variation of a directionto vertical, without crossing over any specific muscles and or musclegroups, to avoid decreasing the efficacy and energy of the muscularstructure of the body encased within the garment. The panels are sewnprimarily with flat-lock stitching and can also be sewn together usingother non-intrusive stitches that allow the same performance ofanchoring stitching, which allow the panels to perform at the levels ofcompression designed within the panel of section of the garment.

Muscle wrapping can be important to the design of the garment and shouldnot be designed in a fashion that is contradictory to the verticality orvariation of verticality. The variation of verticality is defined as asegment of the garment that seams together two or more panels in afashion that does not cross over muscles or muscle groups. They continueto take north and south direction though veering in one direction or theother in order to wrap, cover or encase the muscles, tendons and orligaments.

The garments can incorporate other fabric pieces in an engineered designto help as an anchor. Other fabric pieces can also be placed in anon-critical area of design of the garment that does not requirespecific compression, as can be found in the center of the crotch pieceused in the constructions of the lower body garments, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 7 to 24.

The garments can include static compression and/or gradient compressionin order to achieve the overall functionality of the garment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The garment of the invention can provide enhanced performance andrecovery to elite and recreational athletes over a wide range of sportsand activities. The garment of the invention may aid in avoidance ofdeep vein thrombosis from aircraft flights and in the avoidance oralleviation of jetlag.

The garment may enhance circulation and flow of oxygen, reduce lacticacid build-up, assist in body temperature control and reduce musclevibration.

The method of the invention allows delivery of correct compression for awide variety of body shapes.

1. A compression garment for clothing a body part which includes amuscle ridge, the garment having a first panel of stretchable materialjoined to a second panel of stretchable material by a seam, wherein atleast part of the seam is adapted to correspond to at least part of themuscle ridge.
 2. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein asubstantial part of the seam is vertical when the garment is worn. 3.The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the first or second panelsubstantially defines a muscle group.
 4. The compression garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment is an upper body garment and the muscleridge is chosen from the following: a) a lateral edge of the serratusanterior muscle group; b) a lateral edge of the serratus anterior andexternal deltoid muscle group; c) a lateral edge of the latisimis dorsimuscle group; and d) a ridge in the biceps brachii.
 5. The compressiongarment of claim 3, wherein the first or second panels substantiallydefines a muscle group chosen from: a) the serratus anterior musclegroup; b) the serratus anterior and external deltoid muscle groups; c)the latissimus dorsi muscle group; and d) part of the biceps brachii. 6.The compression garment of claims 1, wherein the garment is a lower bodygarment and the muscle ridge is chosen from the following: a) a ridgebetween the long head of the rectus femoris and the semitendinosusmuscle group; b) a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus near the greatertrochanter; c) a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus near the sacrum; d)an area over the popliteal fossa between the heads of the medial andlateral gastrocnemius; and e) a ridge of the vastus lateralis and aridge of the vastus medialis.
 7. The compression garment of claim 3,wherein the first or second panel substantially defines a muscle groupchosen from: a) the tibialis anterior muscle group; b) the hamstringtendon muscle group; and c) the gluteus maximus.
 8. The compressiongarment of claim 6, wherein the seam is adapted to avoid any one of thefollowing: a) the anterior superior iliac spine; b) the greatersaphenous vein; c) the superficial inguinal gland; d) the smallsaphenous vein; and e) the fossa ovalis.
 9. The compression garment ofclaims 1, wherein the seam is stitched.
 10. The compression garment ofclaim 9, wherein the seam is a flat stitched seam.
 11. The compressiongarment of claim 10, wherein the seam is flat stitched using a four orsix needle process.
 12. The compression garment of claim 1, whichincludes a line of stitching for providing anchor points without joiningpanels.
 13. The compression garment of claims 1, which is adapted toeffect a compression of between 5 mmHg and 40 mmHg.
 14. The compressiongarment of claim 13, wherein the compression is between 5 mmHg and 25mmHg.
 15. The compression garment of claims 1, which includes a panel ofvariable compression fabric within or over part of the first or secondpanels.
 16. The compression garment of claim 1, which includes means toincrease compression of the first or second panel or of a third panel.17. The compression garment of claim 16, wherein the means includes atab attached to one side of the first, second or third panel andremovably attachable to the other side of the first, second or thirdpanel respectively.
 18. The compression garment of claim 17, whichincludes a plurality of such tabs.
 19. The compression garment of claims1, wherein the garment is adapted to provide static compression.
 20. Thecompression garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is adapted toprovide gradient compression.
 21. The compression garment of claim 1,wherein the material is a fabric with a warp stretch of 160% to 195% andis cut across the fabric grain.
 22. The compression garment of claim 21,wherein the warp stretch is an average of 177.5%.
 23. The compressiongarment of claim 1, wherein the material is an elastomeric material witha denier range between 40 and 120, combined with nylon, polyester or amixture of nylon and polyester.
 24. The compression garment of claim 23,wherein the material is a microfibre or 12 filament material.
 25. Thecompression garment of claim 1, wherein at least one panel is ofmaterial oriented at about 45° to the warp of the material.
 26. Acompression garment for clothing a body part, the garment having a firstpanel of stretchable material joined to a second panel of stretchablematerial by a seam and a third panel of stretchable material within orover part of the first or second panel, wherein the garment includesmeans to increase compression of the third panel.
 27. The compressiongarment of claim 26, wherein the means includes a tab attached to oneside of the third panel and removably attachable to the other side ofthe third panel.
 28. The compression garment of claim 27, which includesa plurality of such tabs.
 29. A method of manufacturing a compressiongarment for clothing a body part, the method including the steps of: a)cutting a first panel to mimic the body part; b) using an algorithmbased on a body mass index to calculate a size of the first panelappropriate to create a chosen static or gradient compression for thebody part; and c) adjusting size of the first panel in accordance withthe calculated size. 30-31. (canceled)
 32. The method of claim 29, whichincludes the step of cutting the first panel to mimic the body partprior to use of the algorithm.
 33. A compression garment for clothing abody part having at least one muscle or muscle group, the garment havinga first panel of stretchable material joined to a second panel ofstretchable material by a seam, wherein in use the seam is adapted toanchor the muscle or muscle group.
 34. A compression garment forclothing a body part having at least one muscle or muscle group, thegarment including fabric providing compression in relation to the muscleor muscle group at an angle of about 45° to the fabric warp.
 35. Acompression garment for clothing a body part having at least one muscleor muscle group, the garment having a first panel of stretchablematerial joined to a second panel of stretchable material by a seam,wherein: at least the first panel is adapted in use to form anencasement of the body part or the muscle or the muscle group; and theseam of the panel does not intersect the muscle or the muscle group.